IKEA, a home furnishings retailer, extended its solar energy plans to a new store opening in the fall of 2014, in Merriam, KS, eight miles southwest of Kansas City. IKEA is partnering with SoCore Energy, a Chicago-based commercial solar developer, for the development, design, and installation of the solar PV system. The 92,000-square-foot solar array will consist of an 869.25 kW system, estimated to produce approximately 1,348,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of a 930 ton reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Globally, IKEA has allocated $1.8 billion in investments in renewable energy through 2015. The Merriam installation will be the 41st solar project for IKEA in the U.S, covering nearly 90% of its stores. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems. The Merriam store will be also be the second U.S. IKEA with a geothermal component to its heating and cooling system.

Press Release -IKEA To Install Kansass Largest Rooftop Solar Array On Future Kansas City - Area Store Opening Fall 2014 In Merriam, Kansas